7/5/07

Homemade Ice Cream & 4th Celebration!

As a little girl, I would relish the moment of licking the paddle pulled out of the ice cream freezer, as my parents would make homemade ice cream on a hot summer evening.

I wanted to be the first to sample the delicious, salty, vanilla-flavored ice cream that tasted like none you could buy in the store.

My Dad would break with an ax the ice that my Mom froze in milk cartons. Then he would hand-crank the freezer until it got too difficult, while one of us girls would take turns sitting on top, until he couldn’t crank it any more. We’d alternate ice, then rock salt, then more ice. Crank, crank, crank.

It was a process that was well worth the wait, because the outcome was like gold. We’d lick our bowls and beg for more.

I sometimes wonder if my children appreciate homemade ice cream like I do, or if they understand the special ness of it. It’s a different era now. We go to the store and buy the ice. We plug in the electric mixer. We wait for the “grinding” sound, and run to unplug the machine. It’s too easy. You then have to remove the paddle quickly so it does not freeze up in the barrel.








Last night we had a 4th of July Celebration with a large group of friends. I pulled out my 5-quart ice cream freezer and doubled my Mom’s mouth-watering vanilla recipe.


Millie’s Vanilla Ice Cream
Beat 3 eggs, 1 quart ½ and ½ and 1 quart of whipping cream. Mix in ¾ cup white sugar and ¾ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp. Salt, and 2 ¼ Tbs. Vanilla.

I found this larger freezer at a garage sale last year for $3. It doesn’t look brand new, but it works perfectly.
One thing remains the same. Just like I loved to lick the paddle, last night Elliot and his friend Cody were standing nearby when I removed the paddle. Elliot begged for the rights of it and I consented.

But, I got a spoon out and snuck a quick taste.

It was just something I had to do.

(Photos: very top, double batch of ice cream; friends visiting and our very simple 4th table setting; my brother-in-law and niece Kayla; all the FUN 4th of July girls at the BBQ!)

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Friends, I will be back next week as I’m heading to Atlanta with my hubby for the ICRS book show. I want to thank Laura, Gibee, Tammy and Christine for awarding me, in the past couple of weeks, with the Rockin’ Girl Blogger and Blogger Reflection Awards!

19 comments:

Laura said...

I make ice cream all the time but only for my dairy allergic son. Our recipe includes rice milk, sugar and marshmellows!!!!

Have a wonderful trip,
Laura

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Sandy, I just love, love homemade ice cream too & have memories exactly like yours, with the old hand crank models & sitting on them while Dad churned away. It's a lot easier now & I really must get a freezer...I'm gonna do like you did & look for one at a yardsale. I saw a small one last week, but will wait for a larger model.

Have fun in Atlanta...my hometown (actually Marietta). It's hot, so be prepared for that.

Have a great time!
Rhoda

Ladybug said...

I am new to your blog but love it already!

Barb said...

Happy birthday Miz Sandy!!! Looks like it was a way-fun party, like all the Coughlin soirees!

Elizabeth said...

I've never had an ice-cream maker. However, I just purchased one for Anna Marie's birthday next month. I think your yummy-looking recipe is going to be the first one we try! Thank you, Sandy!

Have a great time in Atlanta!

Holly said...

Just wanted to say I have so enjoyed reading your blog lately! It's beautiful and filled with wonderful tips and thoughts of which I need to be reminded.

Thanks for sharing your love of hospitality.

Tammy said...

My parents and I use to do this, too...you are so right- there is something completely special about the process...and the outcome! :D

And as for the awards, for my part you are so welcome and so deserving, my friend! :D

Thank you for sharing your 4th family photos and have a great time in Atlanta for your book show!
Blessings!

Diane @ A Watered Garden said...

Thanks for sharing your special family recipe!!! I have copied it off and hope to try it soon! I've never seen brown sugar in an ice cream recipe before.... hmmmm. I purchased one of those new fangled electric yogurt makers...so I hope it does this recipe justice. I agree...love the memories of those old crank ice cream makers.

Anonymous said...

It was great catching up on your blog. You have such a beautiful heart. And I could just taste that homemade ice-cream! Looks like you all had a fun 4th of July!

Unknown said...

One of my fondest summer memories is walking into my grandmother's house and hearing a whirring sound that could only mean one thing - homemade ice cream. LOVE IT!!

Nadine said...

What a lovely memory. I remember making it that way with my mom. Have a good time at the book show. Hope all goes well.

La Tea Dah said...

Thank you for your kind comment on my blog, Sandy. Yes, July will always be difficult, and it sounds like it is for you as well, because our mother's passed away this month. Too young, too much life yet, but God knows the end from the beginning --- and He permitted this separation. Thanks for commenting and warming my heart.

~ LaDonna ~

La Tea Dah said...

The flower in the picture is a wild rose, Sandy. :)

GiBee said...

You are sooooo welcome! They are awards that are sooooo well deserved.

Enjoy your time off!!!

GiBee said...

PS -- that ice cream recipe sounds so delicious... I just mentioned to my husband over the weekend that we really need to get a good ice-cream maker!!! When we do, we'll be sure to try your recipe!

Shelby said...

fabulous blog you have here!!

I really enjoyed reading through it this morning .. I gave you a shout out on my blog too..

take care and happy day! :)

Day by Day said...

Your blog is such an inspiration. It really has got me thinking more often of how to interact with neighbors and friends. More hospitality... Thanks!

Pam said...

Thanks for taking the time to stop and chat for a moment today. I'll be praying for the opportunity you shared. Hope the rest of your week is profitable and a blessing to you both.

Jane said...

My family gathered for a reunion after our wedding and my aunt made homemade ice cream. Holy Cow it was good! So much better than our wedding cake!